Clean Coal Energy
Clean Coal is a collection of technologies being developed to mitigate the environmental impact of coal energy generation. coal is used as a fuel source, the gaseous emissions generated by the thermal decomposition of the coal include sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and other chemical byproducts that vary depending on the type of the coal being used. These emissions have been established to have a negative impact on the environment, contributing to acid rain and climate change
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Abundant supply, concentrated in industrialized countries (US, Russia, China, India).
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Relatively inexpensive.
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Continuous power. Good utilization. High load factor.
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Substantial existing infrastructure. Mature industry.
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Can be made low carbon and clean with CCS and various scrubbers.
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Can be converted to a liquid or a gas, which burn cleaner.
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Clean coal technology is currently being used in China.
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Relatively low capital investment (compared to gas or nuclear).
Cons
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Coal is nonrenewable. There is a finite supply.
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Coal contains the most CO2 per BTU, the largest contributor to global warming.
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Severe environmental, social and health and safety impacts of coal mining.
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Devastation of environment around coal mines.
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High cost of transporting coal to centralized power plants.
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Coal ash is a hazard and a disposal problem.
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Coal mining is the second highest emitter of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
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High levels of radiation. Coal plants release more radiation than nuclear plants.
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Coal burning releases SOx and NOx which both cause acid rain.
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Burning coal emits mercury and other heavy metals that pose major health risks.
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Coal emissions linked to increased rates of asthma and lung cancer.
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Clean coal is not carbon free.CO2 is toxic at concentrations above 5 percent. The condition is called hypercapnia.